COLUMBIA, SC (October 15, 2020) – A record number of South Carolinians are voting absentee, both in person and by mail. Based on current trends, more than one million voters will vote before election day.

While in person absentee voting is available through November 2, the deadline to apply for an absentee by mail ballot is quickly approaching. Voters who want to vote by mail in the November 3 General Election need to act now and return their application no later than Saturday, October 24.

2020 General Election Absentee Statistics as of 5:00 PM, October 15

Ballots

Record – 2016 GE

Total Issued

637,000

517,000

Total Returned

388,000

503,000

In Person Issued/Returned

221,000

370,000

By Mail Issued

416,000

147,000

By Mail Returned

167,000

133,000

NOTE: By Mail includes a small number of military and overseas ballots issued and returned electronically.

Summary and details posted twice daily here: https://www.scvotes.gov/fact-sheets

In Person Absentee

Deadline: 5:00 p.m., Monday, November 2

Step 1:Visit your county elections office or extension office.

Step 2:Complete an application.

Step 3.Cast your ballot.

Absentee by Mail

Step 1: Get the application online (printer required) OR call or email your county elections office to be mailed an application.

Step 2: Complete, sign and return the application to your county elections office by mail, email, fax or personal delivery.

Step 3: Receive your absentee ballot in the mail.

Sign the voter’s oath on the return envelope.

Have a witness sign and provide their address. A witness can be any other person.

Step 4: Return the ballot to your county voter registration office or extension office as soon as possible and before 7:00 p.m., November 3.

Return envelopes are postage-paid.

It is best to mail your ballot at least a week before election day to help ensure timely delivery.

You can return your ballot in person or have another person return your ballot for you by completing the authorized returnee form.

You can NOT return your absentee ballot to your polling place.

You can check the status of your absentee ballot at scVOTES.gov.

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